I've read a lot of the test reports. As you might guess, this is a topic I've
followed a bit. The general conclusion from most of the tests is that if an
anchor is well set in a good bottom, it has a lot of holding power. What the
test don't tell is how an anchor responds to a foul bottom, or how much it drags
before setting, or how much care it needs to set, or how well it resets after
its upset.

However, it you want to look test results, I haven't found any for the FX-11
because, I suspect, its considered too small for cruisers. However, the
USSailing tests used a FX37, and larger Fortresses (It was funded by Nav-X, the
manufacturer) were tested. The Fortresses did rather well in sand compared to
the others, by still, frequently dragged before achieving the holding power
listed on the web site. They did all easily surpass the listed "working load."
In the "mud" version of the test, the Fortress also did well, but did not even
come close to the web site claims. Note that these test were conducted by
Nav-X, with special care taken to make sure they were measuring the actual
holding power, as opposed to ease of setting, etc.
http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Stud...nchor_test.htm
http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Stud...nchor_test.htm

In another test, the Fortress failed to set at all:
http://www.creativemarine.com/newpro.../absreport.htm

But the issue is not how well the larger Fortresses performs in straight line
tests. They do damn well most of the time, especially for its weight. That's
why I've carried one for a dozen years and recommend them. The issue is the
holding power of the 7 pound version. Frankly, its not that high, even
according to their own data, which seems to be optimistic. I have no doubt it
satisfies your needs, but this is not a good choice for someone that wants to
get a good night's sleep on the hook.




"SAIL LOCO" wrote in message
...
Yes, you would only drag at about 3 knots in Chesapeake t-storm. It would
probably be over before you washed up in Crisfield.

LOL..... Funny but maybe you should read the test reports that used tug boats
as a test vessel.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"No shirt, no skirt, full service"